US Vessel Breaks Canal Record

Wednesday, September 06, 2000

A U.S.-flagged ship, the USNS Red Cloud, paid a record toll of $184,338.39 for passing through the Panama Canal, the waterway's administration said on Friday. The 950-ft. (290-m.) RoRo vessel beat the previous record by $224 when it passed through the waterway on July 18, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said in a press release. The previous toll record was held for seven months by the Red Cloud's sister ship, the USNS Sisler, the Authority said. Canal tolls are based on a vessel's cargo capacity. The record for lowest toll -- 36 cents, paid by swimmer Richard Halliburton -- has stood since 1928.